OCR · GCSE · J247
Biology — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
OCR GCSE (9-1) Gateway Science Biology A (J247)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
OCR GCSE Biology (J247)
OCR GCSE Biology (J247)
OCR GCSE (9-1) Gateway Science Biology A (J247)
Aligned to OCR Gateway Science Biology A (J247): cell-level systems, scaling up, organism systems, community-level systems and genes, inheritance and selection.
Mark schemes: OCR rewards precise biological terminology and explanations that link structure to function. Practical and data questions require values quoted from the source with correct units.
Active recall: 0 / 20 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cell-level systems | Essential | Cell | Basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms. | |
| 1. Cell-level systems | Core | Magnification | Image size ÷ actual size; used in microscopy calculations. | |
| 1. Cell-level systems | Core | Mitosis | Nuclear division producing two genetically identical daughter cells for growth and repair. | |
| 1. Cell-level systems | Core | Enzyme | Biological catalyst, usually a protein, that speeds up reactions in living organisms. | |
| 1. Cell-level systems | Advanced | Denaturation | Permanent change in enzyme shape so the active site no longer fits the substrate. | |
| 2. Organism systems | Essential | Diffusion | Net movement of particles from a higher to a lower concentration. | |
| 2. Organism systems | Core | Osmosis | Net movement of water across a partially permeable membrane down a water potential gradient. | |
| 2. Organism systems | Core | Photosynthesis | Process where plants make glucose from CO₂ and water using light energy. | |
| 2. Organism systems | Core | Respiration | Release of energy from glucose in cells; aerobic uses oxygen. | |
| 2. Organism systems | Advanced | Gas exchange surface | Adapted with large surface area, thin walls and good blood supply for efficient diffusion. | |
| 3. Genetics & inheritance | Essential | Gene | A length of DNA that codes for a specific protein or characteristic. | |
| 3. Genetics & inheritance | Essential | Allele | An alternative form of a gene at the same locus. | |
| 3. Genetics & inheritance | Core | Dominant allele | An allele that is expressed in the phenotype when only one copy is present. | |
| 3. Genetics & inheritance | Core | Recessive allele | An allele only expressed when two copies are present (homozygous). | |
| 3. Genetics & inheritance | Core | Meiosis | Cell division producing four genetically different gametes with half the chromosome number. | |
| 3. Genetics & inheritance | Advanced | Punnett square | Grid used to predict the genotype and phenotype ratios of offspring from a cross. | |
| 4. Ecology | Essential | Food chain | Sequence showing what eats what, with energy passing from producer to consumers. | |
| 4. Ecology | Core | Energy transfer efficiency | Approximately 10% of energy is transferred between trophic levels. | |
| 4. Ecology | Core | Biodiversity | Variety of living organisms in an ecosystem, including species and genetic diversity. | |
| 4. Ecology | Advanced | Carbon cycle | Movement of carbon through photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition and combustion. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Biology (J247) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this OCR GCSE Biology keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important biology terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to OCR GCSE (9-1) Gateway Science Biology A (J247) (J247). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this Biology glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for GCSE Biology (J247) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Biology.
- Can I download this Biology keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Biology list aligned to the J247 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow OCR GCSE (9-1) Gateway Science Biology A (J247) for OCR GCSE. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for Biology at GCSE, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.